The Land of 10,000 Lakes is one of the most unique states in the country. Home to a local culture that is as unique as the one in Texas, Minnesota is a state that despite its eccentricities is widely considered to be one of the best places to live. Full of charming small towns and cities that complement the largeness of the Twin Cities, Minnesota is full of places that are excellent places to raise a family.

Located in scenic Steele County lies Owatonna. Home to a total population of 22,434 at the time of the 2000 census, Owatonna is a major economic and cultural center within Steele County, where it resides as the county seat. One of the most unique places in the North Star State, Owatonna was first settled in 1853 around the ironically named Straight River. This running joke is reflected in the town's name which is a Native American term for straight river.

In a unique state, Owatonna has one of the most eccentric and colorful histories of all of the cities in Minnesota. To attract tourism and interest in a bottled water scheme, the city soon developed a fake mystical story that has become entrenched in the town's lore. Legend had it that the Native American chief, Chief Wabena, moved to the area after he heard of the curative powers of the Straight River. Healing his sick daughter, Princes Owatonna by having her drink the waters of the Straight River, there is now a statue dedicated to this fake figure in the city.